Suzuki GB has announced a new appointment to the role of director of automotive.
Dale Wyatt, who currently holds the role having been with the brand for 17 years, will be taking early retirement from March 2025.
He will continue to direct the company’s automotive division until January, when he will be replaced by David Kateley, who has himself been with Suzuki since 2003, and currently leads its automobile sales operations division.
Wyatt said: “It is never easy to step back from a job and company that you love. I have had a wonderful career at Suzuki, and I will be enthusiastically leading the automobile division until the end of this year. I am equally enthusiastic about supporting David Kateley in quarter one 2025 as he picks up the reigns.
“I am extremely proud of the Suzuki UK and Ireland automobile business that I have had the privilege of leading. As a united team we have consistently delivered on our commercial goals whilst remaining a human first company that serves the needs of its employees, dealers and customers.
“I have no doubt that the automobile division is in safe hands with David, and I know that I will wistfully watch the business go from strength to strength as it navigates the automotive landscape.
“Whilst I intend to be a tad less busy, I do have some big personal and professional goals, and as part of that I fully intend to ensure that I spend some of my time working and advising in the industry that I love.”
Suzuki GB managing director Takanori Suzuki said: “Dale Wyatt has been hugely instrumental in leading our brand’s progress and success in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
“To say he has made an outstanding contribution to the company during this time is a major understatement and on behalf of Suzuki I would like to sincerely thank him.
“From next March, Dale will be very much missed by our employees, dealer network, customers as well as the automotive media.“
